Despite withdrawing from the ongoing US Open 2015 in New York, Maria Sharapova has officially qualified for the $7-million year-ending WTA Finals in Singapore next month.
"Maria's return to the WTA Finals is fantastic for our fans. Last year during the inaugural WTA finals, Singapore fans loved Maria's exciting performances on court and her inspirational moments engaging with young fans" said Stacey Allaster, WTA chairman and CEO.
World No.3 Sharapova, who pulled out of the fourth Grand Slam of the year due to a right leg injury, will be making her eighth appearance at the prestigious event. She had won the tournament on her debut in 2004 and has since reached the final twice in 2007 and 2012.
Sharapova is excited to compete in the tournament again. "I have had great success at the WTA finals in the past and I can't wait to get back to Singapore and compete. The fans are incredible and I am looking forward to their support," she said.
Sharapova has not played a match since losing to Serena Williams in a Wimbledon semi-final in July because of the injury.
If fit, the 28-year-old Russian star will be seen in action in Tokyo, Wuhan and China Open tournaments before moving to Singapore for the eight-player WTA Finals.
"To all my amazing fans, I will be back in the Asian swing in a few weeks and look forward to finishing the year healthy and strong," Sharapova had said after pulling out of US Open last month.
World No.1 Serena Williams, who is bidding to become the first player since Steffi Graf in 1988 to complete a calendar Grand Slam, and world No.2 Simona Halep have already qualified for the year-ender, scheduled for October 23 to November 1.
(With inputs from wtafinals.com)